Business model transformation is the next logical step on the road toward digital transformation. KPMG firms’ have taken individual technologies that have led to major improvements in the operations of parts of their business. Based on these successes, it is now time to take a broader approach and apply an array of technologies to change the way an entire company does business. An example of business model transformation is to re-imagine the company as a service provider as well as manufacturer. This can help enable it to develop new revenue streams along the entire life cycle of a product.

By doing so, the firm can develop a deeper, richer relationship with its clients, and for a continuous length of time. As a result, the relationship becomes less transactional and more mutually beneficial. Industrial manufacturers should be able to engage their customers in innovation projects that can lead to better products and more profits for the end-user as well as the producer. Achieving this, however, is a long and complex process in which all parts of the operations, from research and development to after-sales service need to be re-examined and put back together in new, more profitable ways.

As soon as one part of the operation is changed, executives will likely find that other parts must be restructured, as well. And this is only one example of business model transformation.

To reach the next stage for the Industry 4.0 vision, manufacturing companies must drive the transformation of their business models. Digital transformation affects every business unit and operational process and requires end-to-end systems to manage the entire product lifecycle.

Ulrich Ackermann
Country Leader,
KPMG in Germany

Clients’ expectations are changing radically; they are used to the sort of interface that software leaders provide its users with and they want a similar quality of interaction with a manufacturer.

Vinod Ramachandran
Global Head of Industry 4.0
KPMG in India